聚 友 爱
Ju You Ai (Almost pronounced like GUI)
People have been asking me what I’ve been doing lately, in a place affectionately called Kampung, how I got to know about it, and why I keep going there. I always end up giving them a long story, even though my spoken words can hardly encompass my true feelings engaged when I share them. So here’s a post dedicated to GUI, an attempt to share with you the thorough and adoring enjoyment of spending my time and effort in an organisation I find beautiful.
Around late February, a dear friend sent me a forwarded message which stated the need for some people to help facilitate an environmental camp in mid-March. She sent me the message because she felt I’d be both free and willing to participate in such activities. She’s right on both counts, because 1) due to the fact that I did not, do not, and probably will not take up a part time job, I am free most of the time, and 2) I really do enjoy engaging myself in people-oriented and community-building programmes, especially when the cause is something I more or less stand up for (in this case, it’s care for the environment).
Even so, I was hesitant at first, because it felt too random, and too new. I knew nothing about Junior Environmental Ambassadors (JEA), nor did I have any inkling about the organisation that runs it. But well, I enjoy trying out new things, as well up taking up risks with little to lose. So I accepted the invite.
Now, fast forward to seven weeks, numerous dinners, a bunch of mud bricks, two movie dates, few event-planning sessions, one big open house event, and many more, I am deeply and greatly thankful my hesitance did not get to me. After the JEA camp where I was blessed enough to form and strengthen bonds with beautiful individuals, I got to know more about Ground-Up Initiative, the big boss behind it all. A friend shared with me how so much can be done in the Kampung space that’s tiny in physique but ginormous in heart. So one thing led to another, and now I’ve landed myself in a position where it’s hard not to head to Khatib at least once a week, just to immerse myself in the activities there.
And really, I know I’ve said it a lot, but I truly am thankful. I may have yet to do much searching, but I know it is definitely not easy to find an organisation where almost everyone sincerely looks out for one another, and is concerned to solve the many problems plaguing the world. GUI stands on the foundation of the 5Gs values: Gracious, Green, Giving, Grounded and Grateful.
Though it's only been a little over one month, I feel an actual sense of belonging and comfort within the GUI community. While on the surface, it may seem as though I'm just a regular volunteer working to make mud bricks for the future GUI Heartquarters (the office space), I believe that I'm doing much more. I create connections, I give back, I'm building a space that is highly likely to benefit Singapore in times to come, I continually make dear friends, and I leave my own impacts on others.
Like every other body that's ruled by humans, this organisation, of course, is not perfect, it possesses its own set of flaws, too. But what I appreciate is the humility in the people to acknowledge the flaws, and continuously strive to improve from such setbacks.
Like every other body that's ruled by humans, this organisation, of course, is not perfect, it possesses its own set of flaws, too. But what I appreciate is the humility in the people to acknowledge the flaws, and continuously strive to improve from such setbacks.
It's amazing, really, how, as I look back in hindsight, a seemingly simple forwarded message has led to a multitude of beautiful opportunities.
As university life looms nearer, and my excitement to study peaks higher, I’m just happy to be able to contribute my decreasing free time and effort into this great cause surrounded by great people. Especially since it's in an organisation that delightfully lives up to its Chinese name: gather(ing) friends (to spread) love :)
